Daihatsu reveals eight concept cars and tech booth at Indonesia show
Daihatsu presented eight concept vehicles and its Ayla Technology booth at the 2013 Indonesia International Motor Show, highlighting new directions for compact and affordable cars.
Daihatsu used the 2013 Indonesia International Motor Show to unveil eight concept vehicles and its Ayla Technology booth, marking a major presence for the brand in one of its strongest overseas markets. The show, held in Jakarta from 19 to 29 September 2013, saw PT Astra Daihatsu Motor, Daihatsu’s Indonesian subsidiary, present a range of concepts aimed at fuel efficiency, affordability and adaptability for local buyers.
The line-up included evolutions of previous concepts and several new ideas. The UFC 2, a follow-up to the earlier UFC concept, offered a seven-seat interior with a focus on everyday practicality. Compared to its predecessor, the UFC 2 moved towards a more production-ready appearance, though its styling was less dramatic than the original show car.
Concepts for local preferences
Daihatsu’s D-R Estate was another update, this time taking the D-R roadster and converting it into a fixed-roof coupé. The D-R Estate, powered by a 660cc engine, shifted away from open-top driving, suggesting a move towards broader appeal in markets where convertibles are less popular. Both the UFC 2 and D-R Estate indicated Daihatsu’s willingness to adapt its concepts for Indonesian tastes and practicalities.
The NC-Y and NC-Z concepts were positioned as potential entry points below the existing Ayla, Daihatsu’s budget city car for Indonesia. These two small cars aimed to test the market’s appetite for even more affordable and compact vehicles, though Daihatsu did not confirm production plans at the show.
Ayla-based variants and CUV concept
Three further concepts were based on the Ayla platform: the Ayla GT, Ayla X-track and Ayla Luxury. The GT variant brought a sportier look, the X-track adopted rugged, off-road-inspired styling, and the Luxury added upscale features. These versions allowed Daihatsu to showcase how the Ayla could be tailored to different customer groups, from those seeking a sportier image to buyers wanting more comfort or the appearance of off-road capability.
- UFC 2: Seven-seat MPV concept, evolution of earlier UFC show car.
- D-R Estate: Fixed-roof coupé based on D-R roadster, 660cc engine.
- NC-Y and NC-Z: Compact concepts below Ayla, targeting entry-level segment.
- Ayla GT: Sporty version of Ayla city car.
- Ayla X-track: Off-road styled Ayla variant.
- Ayla Luxury: Upscale Ayla concept.
- CUV: Compact crossover with flexible seating and split rear door.
The eighth concept, simply named CUV, featured a compact crossover design. Its key features included rearrangeable rear seats and a split rear door that opened both upwards and downwards, hinting at a focus on flexible use for urban and suburban buyers. This approach echoed trends seen in other manufacturers’ concept crossovers at global shows, such as theSuzuki iM-4 conceptandToyota i-Road.
Ayla Technology booth and future direction
Alongside the cars, Daihatsu’s Ayla Technology booth highlighted the company’s work on fuel-efficient and affordable car technologies. The display underlined Daihatsu’s strategy of developing vehicles suited to Indonesia’s needs, with a focus on low running costs and practicality. While no production dates or prices were announced for the concepts, the breadth of the display suggested Daihatsu’s intent to expand its Indonesian range in the coming years.
